The 63rd Annual Conference of the Indian Psychiatric Society was a gala event both academically and socially. The scientific deliberations during 16-19 January 2011 in New Delhi attracted more than 3000 delegates. More than 40 international faculties participated and contributed to the academics. The scientific content of Indian researchers was exemplary. Dr. Ajith Avasti, the president of the Indian Psychiatric Society handed over the medallion to the incoming president, Dr. Thirunavakkarasu.

The Annual Conference of the Sri Lankan College of Psychiatrists was held on 23-26 February in Colombo under the leadership of Usha Gunawardhena, Shehan Williams, Harish Chandra Gambheera, and Jayan Mendis. The symposia and workshops were highly productive. The Indian contribution to the scientific programme included presentations by C. Andrade, E Mohandas, R. Nagpal, and A. Mittal.

Around 20 delegates from India participated and contributed to the WPA Regional Meeting in Yerevan, Armenia which was held on 14-17 April 2011.

The mid-term CME of the Indian Association of Private Psychiatry was held in Kota, Rajasthan on 7-8 May 2011 with the theme “Youth Mental Health”. The media interaction and the excellent scientific programme added glory to the academic event.

The Asian Depression Day was held in New Delhi on 22 May. Prof. Joseph Zohar (Israel), E. Mohandas, Y. C. Reddy, Philip John, and M S Reddy spoke on the occasion.

The Indian Association of Biological Psychiatry conducted a symposium on Empathy (E. Mohandas, R. Nagpal, A. Mittal) and a workshop on TMS (S. Mittal, Roop Sidana, N. Bohra) at the 10th World Congress of Biological Psychiatry, Prague (29 May– 2 June). Young researchers from India contributed to oral/poster presentations.

Dr. Roy Abraham Kallivayalil (India) was elected the Secretary General of the International Association of Social Psychiatry.

Dr. E. Mohandas received the Vishaka Oration Award of the South Zone, Indian Psychiatric Society for academic and administrative skills. He also received the World Association of Psychosocial Rehabilitation – Indian Chapter Award for the promotion of rehabilitation skill training workshops.

The Art of Psychiatry 2011 of Indian Association of Private Psychiatry will be held in Mysore (9-10 July). Dr. T S S Rao is the organizing chairperson.

A child and adolescent psychiatry workshop will be held on 18-23 July at Mumbai by the WPA Section for Developing Countries and WPA Zone 16. Dr. P C Shastri is the organizing chairperson.